As you age, it’s more important than ever to protect your eye health and vision since your risk of eye diseases increases. Our eye doctors at Seacoast Vision Care diagnose and treat common eye conditions that can develop with age, including age-related macular degeneration. Our eye doctor may be able to detect early signs of the disease before you notice any symptoms. Although there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, treatment may help to slow its progression and prevent serious vision loss.  

What is age-related macular degeneration?    

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It happens when aging causes damage to your macula, which can blur your central vision and make it difficult for you to read, drive, or even recognize faces. There are two types of AMD: dry AMD, which progresses slowly and may cause mild vision loss, and wet AMD, which progresses more rapidly and can lead to severe vision loss if left untreated. To diagnose AMD, our eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam that will most likely include vision tests and a thorough examination of your retina.  

Treatment for age-related macular degeneration  

If you have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, there are treatment options available to help manage the condition and preserve your vision. For dry AMD, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet high in antioxidants, taking nutritional supplements like vitamins C and E, wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays, and quitting smoking. For wet AMD, treatments may include anti-VEGF injections to stop abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina or laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels. Our team at Seacoast Vision Care will work closely with you to determine the best course of action based on your unique needs. 

Eye exams for macular degeneration at Seacoast Vision Care

It’s important to remember that early detection and regular eye exams are key in managing age-related macular degeneration effectively. If you notice any vision changes or experience symptoms such as blurry or distorted vision, straight lines appearing wavy, or dark spots in your central vision, schedule an appointment with us today at Seacoast Vision Care.